Survey: Split opinions on what to do with state’s Viaduct $

Voters in Washington state appear to be just as conflicted about the Alaskan Way Viaduct as Seattle residents and the state’s politicians.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has said the state will proceed with an elevated replacement for the aging viaduct but Seattle voters will go to the polls March 13 to express their opinions about the elevated option and a four-lane tunnel plan. Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has said if voters say they want a tunnel, he’ll fight like a banshee to make it happen.

According to a recent Elway Poll:

*Thirty-nine percent of voters in the state say the state should keep its $2.4 billion in the project if city voters say they want a tunnel. The city should come up with the rest of the money to pay for the more expensive underground option, poll respondents said.

*Thirty-two percent of state voters said Seattle opts for a tunnel, the state should build the elevate replacement anyway.

*And 12 percent said the $2.4 billion in state loot should be shifted to other projects if Jet City voters reject the elevated replacement option.

The survey of 405 registered voters has a margin of error of 5 percent.